Two new VMware Security certifications - VCTA and VCP

VMware now offer 2 certifications covering the security features and functions of NSX-T Data Center, Workspace ONE and Carbon Black Cloud:

VMware Certified Technical Associate - Security 2020 (VCTA-Security2020)

This was 1 of 3 new VCTAs launched in September, and will validate your understanding and the ability to provide entry level support of VMware's security solutions.

The certification has 1 hard/mandatory requirement of passing the Associate VMware Security exam, plus a number of recommended training courses to help you learn and prepare.

Learn more on this VCTA-Security 2020 page.

VMware Certified Professional - Security 2020 (VCP-Security 2020)

While we now have the VCTAs, most would consider VCP to remain the "starter" level certification - the new VCP-Security 2020 will validate your knowledge and the ability to administer the security features and functions of the above products.

The VCP has 2 hard/mandatory requirements - you must complete at least one authorised training course and pass the Professional VMware Security exam.

Learn more about the requirements on the VCP-Security 2020 page.

New Certifications - VMware Certified Technical Associate (VCTA)

UPDATE March 24th 2021: Post below modified to include the now-released VCTA for Digital Workspace.

VMware have just released a new "starter" certification level - the VMware Certified Technical Associate (VCTA).

The target audience for the VCTAs is those working in hands-on Day 2 Operations types of roles, these are definitely TECHNICAL certifications even though they sit at the level below VCP - VMware are expecting interest from career changers and those in entry-level technical roles.

As with all the higher-level certifications such as the VCP, there are VCTAs for multiple solution areas - the initial set of released certifications/exams cover:

• Data Center Virtualization (VCTA-DCV 2020)
• Network Virtualization (VCTA-NV 2020)
• Security (VCTA-SEC 2020)
• Digital Workspace (VCTA-DW 2021)

The VCTA line-up will be completed later for these solution areas:

• Cloud Management & Automation (CMA)
• Application Modernization (AM)

There is no link between the VCTAs and the higher-level certifications such as VCP - you don't have to complete a VCTA as a VCP pre-requisite or anything like that. There's also no comparison or connection between the VCTAs and the older VMware Certified Associate (VCA) certification.

Each VCTA has a single mandatory requirement - passing an exam. VMware Learning will also be releasing a "recommended" training course for each certification.

Learn more about each of the VCTAs and their exams and training by following the links above, and more generally about VCTA by reading this VMware Learning blog post.